How to maintain your own bicycle

Maintain your own bicycle

An annual service by the cycle shop ensures that your bike will last considerably longer. It is also important to maintain your bicycle yourself from time to time. For example, it is important to clean and lubricate your bike regularly. Check the following activities to properly maintain your bicycle.

How can I clean my bicycle?

It is important to clean your bike regularly as this extends the life of your bike. If you do not do this, the dirt will attack the metal parts and this will quickly lead to rust and defects on the bike. When you clean your bike, you need a solution of detergent, a sponge and an old toothbrush. First clean all the parts with the sponge. Areas that are harder to reach (e.g. the chain) can be cleaned with an old toothbrush. Finally, rinse the bike with the garden hose. Never use a high-pressure sprayer for this. This gets water into the parts you do not want. Then let the bike dry out well.

How can I clean my bicycle chain?

You start by removing dirt from the chain. You can do this by putting detergent on a cloth and/or an old toothbrush and then run it along the chain. Then take the degreaser to thoroughly clean your chain. Finally, dry your bike well.

How can I maintain my bicycle cables?

For optimum operation, it is important that you lubricate your gears and brake cables from time to time. When you are going to lubricate your gear and brake cables, you start by unclipping these cables. Then you clean the cables and lubricate them with chain oil. Then you put the cables back on and check the operation. Do you have to push the brake lever too far? Then you will have to tighten your cable.

What tyre pressure for my bike?

Proper tyre pressure on your bicycle makes it easier to ride. Moreover, your tyres stay hard longer and last a lot longer because your bicycle tyres wear out less quickly. The tyre pressure differs per bicycle. A malt bike has 2 to 3 bar and a city bike 3.5 to 4.5 bar. A racing bike even has 8 to 11 bar. Make sure you have inflated your bike to the right bar.

How do you maintain a derailleur?

There are two wheels in the derailleur. By turning these wheels, you ensure that both wheels come out. Remember which wheel came from where, so that you can reassemble the derailleur later on. Next, soak the loose parts in the cleaning fluid. In the meantime, clean the fixed parts with a cloth and some degreaser. Then clean and dry all the parts and put the wheels back. Make sure that you regularly lubricate the pivot points. When the wheels are no longer flexible, they will have to be replaced.

If you have any doubts about any of the above actions, always consult a bicycle dealer who has experience with these types of maintenance actions. You can always contact Fietsenhulp. Fietsenhulp is a mobile bike repair shop that comes to your home and to the area for bike repair and bike maintenance.

Do you have any questions or do you want to make an appointment with Fietsenhulp? Don't hesitate and contact Fietsenhulp.

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